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Washer, dryer ad leads to cash loss for Batavia resident

Phony buyer sent check for more than what was advertised

BATAVIA – A Batavia resident of Green Pheasant Lane reported being defrauded out of $1,451 after trying to sell a washer and dryer, according to a police report released after a Freedom of Information Act request.

The resident told police that she posted an ad on Craigslist, a classified ad website, Sept. 17 to sell the washer and dryer for $999, the report stated.

She received a text from someone identifying himself as Tommy, who stated he was on a business trip but wanted to buy the washer and dryer by sending a certified check for $2,450, according to the report.

The resident was instructed to send the $1,451 difference via Zelle, an electronic payment service, to a moving company that would pick up the washer and dryer, the report stated.

But two days later, on Sept. 19, Tommy no longer wanted the washer and dryer and asked for $700 to be refunded. But he told the resident she could keep the $299 “for troubles and stress,” the report stated.

The resident became suspicious and told Tommy she was going to report the situation to police, the report stated.

She then received a text message from someone identifying themselves as an employee of Chase Bank, asking when the last deposit was, the report stated.

She responded to the text stating she was on the phone with Chase, and did not receive any more messages, according to the report.